Glenpool To Kick Off BlackGold Days Festival

Glenpool will host their 42nd annual BlackGold Days Festival this weekend, but fairgoers should expect some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BlackGold Days Festival is a four-day event celebrating the city's rich oil heritage. It's a festival that Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sydney Bland said had to happen this year. 

“It means everything, because this is the biggest thing, biggest party if you will, in Glenpool Oklahoma,” Bland said. “If we can’t have this for our community, it’s a disappointment for everybody.”

This year with the pandemic, Bland said they'll have to adapt. She said she spoke with the city council and other city leaders on whether to have the event, but since it's in a large outdoor space they went ahead with the plans. 

“I asked around a lot of people, and because this festival is outdoors, that was a deciding factor," Bland said. 

This year there will be sanitation and hand washing stands, each ride will be wiped down after every turn and masks are encouraged. 

“I am wearing my mask, but we are not requiring people to wear masks, but we do have all sorts of CDC protocols set up," Bland said. 

Bland said while everyone wants to be a part of the biggest event in town, if you aren't feeling well, it's best you stay home. 

“I do suggest if you have any cough, any of the COVID symptoms, just don’t come and just enjoy it next year," Bland said. 

The festival will officially start Thursday at 6 p.m. at Black Gold Park in Glenpool.